KEY TAKEAWAYS: The beauty community can always use more estheticians–so if you're considering joining this side of the biz, know the industry is glad you're here. There are so many different ways to run your esthetician biz–but no matter what you're doing, there are a few key things every biz owner should know, especially in their first year. This blog has the answers you're looking for.
It’s your first year as an esthetician—are you ready to totally crush it?
We’re sure you’re about to do some seriously awesome things (and we’re rarely wrong, BTW), but if you’re nervous about starting out, know that it’s totally normal to have some anxiety about your first year.
Luckily, we’ve been in business for a long time, and in that span we’ve cultivated a few tips from uber-successful estheticians who have paved the way for soon-to-be big-time esthetician (um, like you!)—and the good news is we’re happy to share that advice with you.
So, buckle up for a heck-of-a-year and let this advice guide your new journey—you’ve got this, you esthetician superstar.
The 8 Things Every Esthetician Should Do in Their First Year
What Every Esthetician Should Know Their First Year
Get Esthetician Liability Insurance ASAP
There’s a reason we put this one first on the list—and it’s not because we’re an insurance company looking to make a sale. This HAS to be first on the list because, without liability insurance, everything that comes after this is sort of moot.
Why? Because if you build up your entire esthetician business following each and every one of these steps except esthetician insurance, you’re still subject to lose it all should something terrible and unexpected happen.
We’re not trying to be bleak; we’re trying to be realistic.
So, yes, every other step on this list is important—but esthetician insurance has to come first, or else you’ll be dealing with a whole lot of complications should claims arise.
The good news? We can help—check out Elite Beauty Society’s esthetician insurance to see how we can cover you!
"There's a reason this (liability insurance) is first on the list–and it's not because we're an insurance company. Without liability insurance, everything that comes after this is sort of moot."
Build a Website
Even if this makes you groan and roll your eyes, you gotta do it. Why? Because this is 2022, people—websites are a must for social proof, credibility, and bringing in new clients.
Your website doesn’t have to be the fanciest right away, you just need to have something that’s easy to navigate, informative, and provides would-be clients with the answers they need to make the plunge and take a chance on you.
Prioritize Learning & Continuing Education
Even though it seems like your first year is a whirlwind of constant learning no matter what you do, it’s important to focus on prioritizing this part of your career. In your first year as an esthetician, you have an opportunity unlike any other—to start your career with gusto and zest!
How you look at this first year—and how you commit to continuously learning—could change the track of your career forever. So, embrace learning and prioritize education in all aspects of this business.
Make Social Media Marketing Your Thing
Don’t ignore social media platforms. Even if the digital world drives you bonkers, it’s crucial for you to establish a presence and make yourself known. Need some social media advice? Check out some of our resources here to get your feet wet:
- How to Build a Compelling Social Media Strategy
- Beauty Pro Social Media eBook
- The Cosmetology Social Media Guide
Find a Trusted Mentor
Remember that conversation we started a few paragraphs about learning?
Nothing says “I’m committed to education” more than finding the perfect mentor to take you under their wing and teach you everything they know.
We’re not saying this is easy (it’s not, spoiler alert) and we’re not saying you’ll find the perfect-fit mentor right away but opening yourself up to help and experience from the very start of your career is a wise move.
Don’t be afraid to learn from those who know more than you.
Network with Other Estheticians
Broaden your circle! It’s impossible to stay in the know about the esthetician world if you quite literally don’t know any other estheticians.
We’re not saying your entire social and personal circle needs to be centered on work but getting involved in your industry’s community can help open the door for opportunities, great friendship, and endless possibilities.
Learn From Your Competition
Don’t take competition too seriously—but take what you learn from them seriously.
This is a short piece of advice, but it’s incredibly important.
Don’t bury your head in the sand when it comes to your competition. Do you need to be cutthroat? Nope, not always. Do you need to dislike your competition? Absolutely not. There’s plenty of work for everyone out there.
But what you do need to do is pay attention—who knows, you might learn a thing or two (you will, trust us).
Figure Out What Works For You & Run With It
Keep an open mind, learn from your mistakes, and listen to genuine insight and advice.
Above all, realize that there’s no one way to do anything—be creative and figure out what works best for you, your business, and your peace of mind.
Already a pretty seasoned esthetician?
Share your experience with the community here! If you could give new estheticians any advice on what to do in their first year, what would it be?
Drop a comment in the reply section below and share that knowledge you worked so hard for.
Looking for more insight (no matter what level of esthetician you might be)?
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Meet Hanna Marcus, the Founder and Head Copy Gal behind Boundless Copy, a one-of-a-kind copywriting agency that specializes in big, bold brand voice and industry-disrupting copy that’s all about resonating with the right audience.
Hanna has proudly teamed up with Elite Beauty Society for several years as their go-to copywriter on all things beauty, small biz marketing, and brand voice development. She’s big on feeling-first writing–her personal soapbox is that the best copy starts with telling a story.
When she’s not writing cheeky, converting copy for clients, she’s mentoring other aspiring copywriters and creating digital copywriting resources designed for service pros and focused on taking the stress out of DIY copywriting.
